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Last October and in the International Tube Association 3rd journal edition, africon published an article about the Steel industry in East Africa. The article started by portraying the image of Africa that is perceived by the rest of the world. Many countries in the continent have started to change their image from a crisis centre to a potential emerging market. The macro economic factors strongly indicate positive changes that will lead the continent to be the next emerging market. The growing young population together with economic growth on the continent lead to a growing labour force and cities which lead to a significant increase in middle class. Furthermore, the continent is pushing towards manufacturing and automation as this sector remains as the continent weakest link. Also, constant rise in foreign direct investment over the past decades is further boosting the economy not only in financial terms but as well in terms of knowledge, expertise and technology. Industries of almost all kind will experience a rapid growth due to this economic boom, however the African market is still very diverse as the continent host 54 countries.

East Africa currently distinguish itself by economical
growth and political stability in the region and the least dependent on
commodities such as gold or oil. The region was projected to capture the
highest regional economic growth over the past year in Africa. The article went
in depth to analyse those macro-economic factors and focused on the drivers of
steel industry that promote economic growth in Africa and especially in East Africa

Overall, Africa does host enormous opportunities for firms
from around the world. With its diversity and complicity however comes the need
to evaluate closely where they are and how to make use of the it.